The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Breaking News

Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

Good Eats
Home›Good Eats›Good Eats at Quartino: Stop in for tasty Italian tapas and a vibrant atmosphere

Good Eats at Quartino: Stop in for tasty Italian tapas and a vibrant atmosphere

By TheRealChicagoOnline
May 4, 2010
1350
0
Share:

By Trent Modglin

For as popular as it is, Quartino can qualify as a unique restaurant option in Chicago’s trendy River North neighborhood.

It’s labeled an urban Italian neighborhood restaurant and wine bar. May not exactly sound unique, I realize, but the approach is, featuring a variety of small plates meant to be shared, family style, similar to the popular trend of Spanish tapas restaurants that create perfectly proportioned options for groups of any size. Authentic and affordable Italian tapas, if you will.

In the middle of the main dining room is the salumeria, or Italian deli, which serves up a number of imported Italian meats, cheeses and olives, as well as the chef’s own recipe meats like duck prosciutto, pork loin and spiced Italian salami.

That should only tempt your palate for what’s to come next. With the idea of sharing in mind, don’t hold back from the possibilities, starting with the incredibly popular Neopolitan-style thin crust pizzas. Wine bar plates (Portobello mushroom bruschette, grappa-cured salmon, etc.), hot plates (like the incredible veal sliders or crispy calamari), soups and salads come next.

Then try a round of homemade pastas (perhaps the gnocchi, spaghetti or linguini with clams), risotto (with shrimp and sun-dried tomatoes or Tuscan sausage), mouth-watering fondue or one of the house specialties like sea scallops, braised lamb shank, beef short ribs or farm house chicken, just to name a few. The desserts are best described as “divine” by patrons, especially the doughnuts served with honey or dark chocolate.

Only now do we get to the fact Quartino’s extensive wine list boasts more than 30 hand-picked selections from all regions of Italy, served in carafes, which just feels right.

Lively and inviting, Quartino is cozy yet bustling at the same time. Whether you’re stopping in for a fulfilling meal prior to the theater, hosting a private party or corporate function or making a late-night stop for a glass of merlot and a quick bite, Quartino has something for everyone.

“It’s a big place and always has an energetic and fun vibe,” says general manager Matt Graham. “The late-night dining and atmosphere is something we established from the very beginning because there are few really good options past 11 p.m. to get something good to eat. And the wine bar is so central to our concept. We have a good energy right up until we close, especially in the bar.”

If that’s not enough, the average cost per person or food and wine is less than $30. Seriously.

“The staff is so friendly and patient, they truly know how to enhance a dining experience,” says Chicagoan Sara Johnson. “With a festive crowd, fun wine scene and great food, it’s really perfect for any occasion.”

Quartino is located at 626 N. State, at the corner of Ontario. Call 312-698-5000 or visit www.Quartinochicago.com

TagsChicago ItalianChicago RestaurantsQuartinoTrent Modglin
Previous Article

Chicago Insider: Lindsey Gift on BYOB restaurants ...

Next Article

Good Eats at Hugo’s Frog Bar: Fresh ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Top Chef, Chicago style: Analyzing the city’s hottest restaurants

    April 12, 2012
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Signature Dishes

    Chicago’s Signature Dishes: Chicken and waffles and a barbecue platter at Pitchfork; Chocolate chip wonton and grilled pork chop at ...

    November 6, 2013
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Alfresco dining: Outdoor seating is key for these Chicago restaurants

    June 6, 2011
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • General Features

    The rich get richer: Three stellar new restaurants to further spoil Chicago

    December 20, 2011
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • General Features

    It’s 5 o’clock somewhere: Detailed opinions on where to head for happy hour in Chicago

    October 30, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Good Eats

    Good Eats at Kick: Plenty of heat, and a global fusion of flavors, has arrived in Chicago’s North Center

    July 29, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral FeaturesOther Recent Articles

    A day at the museum: Exploring the iconic Field Museum in Chicago

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Tastebud Tours: A walking tour of Chicago that includes generous portions of the city’s best grub? Count us in

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Funny people: Five spots to enjoy some classic Chicago comedy

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
© Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login